Friday, July 30, 2010

Lazy Summer Saturdays, Tag Sales - and A Giveaway!!

***THE GIVEWAY IS NOW CLOSED (as of 8/12/10)***

I don't know if it's the same everywhere you go, but here in the Pioneer Valley, from May through September, Saturdays are the official "tag sale" day. Tag sale, garage sale, put-your-stuff-out-on-the-lawn-so-someone-will-take-it sale - whatever you want to call it - these events are huge in the summer months. On Thursdays, the signs start going up; Friday, the paper has a special section with the details about where there'll be sales and what goodies there are to be found; then come Saturday - it's game on.

On occasion, I like to puruse the offerings in my neighborhood. You never know what you'll find - be it a cool vintage (or vintage-inspired) bedroom vanity (I always loved watching my grandma sit at hers), gently loved cookbooks or paperbacks (can you ever have too many?) or a slot machine (seriously, I just saw an ad in the paper for a tag sale with a not 1 slot machine - but 2!).

Not only is it fun to poke around and see what new treasures you might find, it's always exciting to think you might be getting a real steal, like finding out what you thought was a Monet-inspired painting is really an original Monet! (OK, I know the likelihood is slim to none, but a girl can dream.)

Not everyone can enjoy the fun of tag-sale Saturday, but I've still got a deal for you. How about the chance to win a $70 gift certificate to shop at any of CSN's 200+ stores (like Bakeware.com and Cookware.com)? Sounds pretty good, huh? Guess what - it gets even better: there's FREE Shipping in the U.S.!*

Mr. ValleyWriter says we shouldn't have an ice cream maker at home because we'd be eating ice cream all the time. It's probably sound advice - and keeps me from buying one out of our joint account - but if I were to get a gift certificate for one... Well, then all bets would be off.

How about you? What would you put the $70 CSN gift certificate towards buying? Leave me a comment with your answer and you'll be entered to win. For extra chances:
1. Post a link to this contest on your blog (and leave me a comment telling me so).
2. Become a follower (and leave a comment telling me you've joined - or that you're already a follower).

No matter how you enter, be sure to either put your email address or a link back to your blog in the comments so I can contact you if you win.
Enter to win by midnight (Eastern daylight time) on August 12th. I'll draw the winner randomly on August 13th (so someone's Friday the 13th will be super lucky!) **THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED**

Good luck!

*Free shipping on most items. Canada folks - you're welcome to enter for the gift certificate, but you may have to pay shipping and other International fees.

Disclaimer: Although CSN has provided me the opportunity to give away a gift certificate to their site, I have not received any payment or compensation for my review and my opinions of CSN are my own.

I would buy something that I don't have but need/want for my culinary creative center (my kitchen). It's not often that I get to add to the splendor of that which is my tools for cooking. I know it will have to be powerful, and maybe even a little noisy maybe. It will definately have to make me feel manly while I slave away. Maybe a spice and nut grinder is in my future, always wanted one but could never really justify the expense. Or maybe a Hand Blender would do me nicely, all the blending that needs to be done, one should not be with out a hnd blender and alas I am. Truly I do not know what I would get with said gift card but I know it would make my kitchen that much better. Oh btw never knew you had a blog, now I have something new to look forward to.

I would put it towards the Samsonite xSpace 21" Expandable Spinner Carry-On in Galaxy Black. I travel quite frequently and really need a new carry on. This one looks nice and has great reviews!jaime_890 at hotmail dot com

About Me

I'm Amber, a 30-something writer with a passion for food, wine, travel and good books. I'm a transplant from the Pioneer Valley in Massachusetts (hence the name "Valley Writer") now living in Southern California with my husband and two cats. I love trying out new recipe ideas and visiting interesting places, and sharing the best new finds with my friends, family--and the world!